Children banned from donkey derby

Inflatable sheep and a toy orangutan had to replace children as the jockeys in an annual donkey derby after insurers refused to cover the event.

The race has been held in Llandudno every summer for 39 years with parents previously signing disclaimer forms.



But organisers Llandudno Rugby Club were advised this could not continue and when no insurance could be found they were forced to resort to "Plan B".

Club chairman Robin Holden said he understood insurance companies were the experts in assessing risk, he felt sorry for the children for whom the event was a highlight.



"We came up with the notion of putting some sort of inflatable objects on the donkeys" said Mr Holden. "We chatted to the donkey owner who said the donkeys will run with whatever on their backs.

"One sheep deflated spontaneously so had to be substituted by an orangutan. He was a last minute replacement jockey but performed admirably."